Jan 2, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back LaMichael James (21) carries the ball in the 2012 Rose Bowl game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Rose Bowl. Oregon defeated Wisconsin 45-38. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

The time for pre-draft visits is almost up, but the Rams saw some big names come to town on Monday. Alabama RB Trent Richardson, LSU CB Morris Claiborne, Oregon RB LaMichael James and Midwestern State OL Amini Silatolu were all in the house visiting the Rams and all four players are possibilities for the Rams in the upcoming draft.

Richardson and Claiborne are still likely high on the team’s board and either player could be the pick at six depending on what happens with the first five picks. I still want Justin Blackmon, but if he’s gone I would love either one of these players. I don’t know much about Silatolu, but I do know he’s pretty highly regarded as a smaller-school guy and there are plenty of scouts who think he has the potential to be a good NFL player.

James is the player here who really intrigues me for the Rams. I’ll admit up front that I’m biased as a big Oregon fan, but I’ve seen the skill-set he brings to the table. He’s probably never going to be an every-down guy in the pros, but he would be a perfect complement to Steven Jackson. We’ve been saying forever that the Rams need playmakers, and that’s exactly what James is. I’d say the 33rd and the 39th are probably too early to take him, but if he’s there when the Rams pick in the third round then he should be the pick. I’ve seen numerous mocks that have James going to the Rams in the third, so let’s hope they are right.

Mar 22, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers goes through drills during the pro day at the LSU Tigers indoor practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Crystal Logiudice-US PRESSWIRE

The draft is fast approaching, and that means the Rams will be bringing in potential picks in the coming weeks. There will be numerous players coming to town, and we know a few of those names who are scheduled to be in St. Louis in the near future.

Two LSU prospects – DT Michael Brockers and WR Rueben Randle – are scheduled for this week. Brockers is a guy who probably won’t be a realistic target for the Rams in the first round unless they move back from the sixth pick. We have a need at DT, so he could certainly be in play in the Rams do decide to make another trade. Randle is kind of intriguing. He caught over 50 passes and eight touchdowns last season with the Tigers, and he did it without consistent QB play to help him out. He would be worth a look in the second round assuming Justin Blackmon isn’t the team’s first pick.

Speaking of Blackmon, he is on the list of players that have been confirmed as coming to town for a visit. Also on that list is Trent Richardson and Morris Claiborne. Obviously these three guys are all targets at six, so hopefully they all impress.

Jan 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson (3) carries the ball during the BCS National Championship game agains the LSU Tigers at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-US PRESSWIRE

We are into April, which means the draft is almost here. There has been some talk recently about the Rams looking to trade down again after already moving from 2 to 6, so let’s take a look at that situation. I think the opportunity is going to be there unless the Browns take Ryan Tannehill at four, because someone will want to get in front of Miami to get him.

As much as I’m usually a fan of trading down, I think the Rams need to stay put unless they get absolutely blown away. After Andrew Luck and RG3 go 1-2, the next four players on the board are elite guys who are all at need positions for the Rams. I think Justin Blackmon will be there, but if not they will have one of Matt Kalil, Trent Richardson or Morris Claiborne to choose from. I don’t think Kalil will be there, but I love Claiborne and considering he would be the consolation prize for the Rams in this draft, that’s a pretty nice prize.

On Richardson, I’m a believer. Normally I would never advocate taking a running back this high, but Richardson looks like a star in the making. I think the Browns would be foolish to pass on him, and I know the Rams have much bigger needs right now, but this team needs another back and eventual replacement for Steven Jackson.

One of these guys will be there, and I don’t think we should pass on whoever that man is. There’s a chance someone could offer a package that’s too good to be true, but either way the Rams are in very good shape heading into this thing.